Credit reports containing incorrect information are more common than you might think. A recent study from Consumer Reports and WorkMoney revealed that nearly half of participants found errors on their reports and more than 1 in 4 had serious errors that could damage their credit scores.
If you find a mistake on any of your credit reports, you can submit a dispute letter to request that the information be removed. Here’s everything you need to know about sending a credit dispute letter.
Key Takeaways
- A credit dispute letter is a written request you send to a credit bureau or lender asking it to correct or remove inaccurate information on your credit report.
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you legal rights to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information on your credit report.
- You can submit a dispute letter online or through the mail.
- Include copies of supporting documents to strengthen your claim.
- There are several ways to follow up if your dispute is rejected.
Credit Dispute Letters Explained
You’re legally entitled to dispute any errors on your credit report thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The following sections reference these consumer rights:
- Section 609: Requires disclosures to consumers, including the source of information on your credit report
- Section 611: Outlines the process for disputing inaccuracies or incomplete information to the credit reporting agency
- Section 623: Details the responsibilities of companies that report consumer information
In order to get incorrect information removed, you must send a credit dispute letter to the credit reporting company as well as the creditor that reported the information in the first place.
Your letter should include two key pieces of information – what the mistake is and why you think it’s wrong – plus copies of any supporting documents to prove your case. Also include additional details, such as your contact information, the account numbers corresponding to each mistake and a specific request to have the errors corrected or removed.
In addition to sending a credit dispute letter to the credit bureau, send a copy to the company reporting the information as well. Maybe it’s a bank or a credit card company that reported a higher balance or an incorrect late payment. The reporting company is required to investigate your dispute within 30 days. The credit bureau must also respond within 30 days, which can be extended to 45 days if you provide additional information after the initial dispute has been filed.
What Items Are Worth Disputing?
While you may be tempted to dispute anything in your credit history that you don’t want on there, focus only on items that are inaccurate or incomplete, not on negative items that are accurate. Those negative marks will eventually roll off your credit report, and their impact on your FICO® score will lessen over time.
It is worth disputing any negative items on your credit report that are either inaccurate or incomplete. Examples include late payments, delinquencies, incorrect account balances or credit limits, incorrect dates on accounts and identity theft issues.
Compare Personal Loan Offers From Verified Lenders:
Mythbusting The 609 Letter Trend
Speaking of inaccurate information, the internet is full of it. One bad piece of advice floating around is that you can use a 609 request to dispute information on your credit report. Do you know what Section 609 of the FCRA entails? It requires the credit bureaus to provide you with the source of information on your credit report.
So a 609 dispute letter isn’t asking them to remove any negative entries; it’s clarifying where they got the details from. Here’s the information you can request with a 609 letter:
- Information on file related to your credit report
- Contact information for the company furnishing the data
- Details on anyone who ran a credit check using your credit report
This information can be helpful in researching your dispute letter, but sending a 609 letter isn’t actually filing a dispute. That needs to be done separately, along with your reasoning for the request and supporting documents.
What’s Your Goal?
Buy A Home
Discover mortgage options that fit your unique financial needs.
Refinance
Refinance your mortgage to have more money for what matters.
Tap Into Equity
Use your home’s equity and unlock cash to achieve your goals.
5 Tips For Writing An Effective Dispute Letter
You know the basic information to include in your dispute letter, but following these tips can help your chances of reaching a resolution.
- Be specific with your request. Clearly state what you’re asking for, whether it’s updating information or removing an item entirely.
- Give a reason. Include your version of events, such as having paid off a loan that’s still showing a balance.
- Stay professional. Don’t let emotions color your dispute letter. Instead, be calm and professional, and use direct language. Credit bureaus can reject disputes they consider frivolous.
- List your enclosures. Reference any document copies you’re including to make it easy to navigate.
- Include “return receipt requested.” This gives you proof that the credit agency and/or creditor received your letter.
Apply these tips to your dispute letters for both the credit bureaus and the reporting company.
Where To Send Disputes
Each credit bureau has its own options for submitting a dispute. Here are the details for each one:
Equifax Information Services, LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
Submit a dispute online here
Experian
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013
Submit a dispute online here
TransUnion Consumer Solutions
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016-2000
Submit a dispute online here
Once you submit your dispute, you can track your status online at each credit bureau’s website.
Get A Personal Loan Today
Find a lender that can help you find the right loan terms for your financial situation.
How To Follow Up On Your Dispute
In some cases, you may not receive a full response, or even any response, from the credit bureau. Alternatively, you may not agree with the dispute results. Here are some follow-up options for each scenario.
What To Do If You Don’t Get A Response
There are three ways to follow up in this situation:
- Add a statement to your credit file. Ask the credit bureau to add a short statement summarizing your side of the dispute. It will then be included anytime your credit report is pulled in the future.
- File a lawsuit. If the credit bureau breaks the law in failing to respond to your dispute, you could sue them. If you win, the company could be held liable for damages, attorney fees, actual or statutory damages, and/or punitive damages. Consider getting professional legal help if you go this route, either by hiring a lawyer or finding free local legal services.
- Submit a complaint. Another option is to submit complaints to your state attorney general and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
What To Do If Your Dispute Is Rejected
Here are follow-up steps to consider if your dispute is rejected. You can escalate the situation in a few different ways.
- Contact the lender. If the credit bureau rejects your dispute, you can follow up with the lender and ask them to remove the item.
- Submit another dispute. You can send a new dispute to the credit bureau with new or additional documentation backing up your claim. You can do this via mail or online.
If you don’t hear back from a credit bureau after filing another dispute, again, you can add a statement to your credit report and file a formal complaint with the CFPB and your state attorney general.
Looking For Access To Money?
Just answer a few simple questions and we’ll help you find the funds you need.
FAQ
The Bottom Line: Credit Dispute Letters Can Protect Your Credit
Sending a credit dispute letter is the first step in getting erroneous information removed from your credit report. Remember to be direct in your request and send as much supporting documentation as you can. Keeping your credit report clean and accurate ensures your credit score reflects your history so that you can get the best financing terms available when the time comes.
Learn more about credit card options to find the right fit for your financial goals.
Lauren Ward
Lauren Ward is a writer with over a decade of experience covering financial topics for businesses and publications. Her work has also been featured in major publications such as U.S. News and World Report, CNN, Business Insider, The New York Post and Bankrate. Her expertise includes real estate, mortgages, small business, insurance and more.
